Not Disobedient”
Before King Agrippa’s throne
Paul stretched out his hand alone.
“I count it grace to speak today
Before one skilled in Jewish way.
You know the hope our fathers claimed —
For this I stand accused and chained.
Why should any think it odd
That life be raised again by God?
I once opposed the holy Name,
Locked believers bound in shame.
Cast my vote when some were slain,
Forced denial through fear and pain.
With letters sent, I traveled far
To Damascus under law.
At midday, brighter than the sun,
A light from heaven shone upon
Us all — we fell down to the ground.
A voice in Hebrew made this sound:
‘Saul, Saul, why persecute Me?
It is hard to kick and flee.’
‘Who are You, Lord?’ I cried.
‘I am Jesus,’ He replied.
‘Rise and stand — I send you now
To open blinded eyes somehow,
To turn from darkness into light,
From Satan’s hold to God’s own sight.
That they may turn and be forgiven,
Receive inheritance in heaven.’”
Chorus
I was not disobedient
To the vision from above.
From persecutor turned and sent
By resurrection love.
“From Damascus first I spoke,
Then Jerusalem awoke.
Through Judea’s towns I went,
To Gentiles by His Spirit sent —
That they repent and turn to God,
Showing fruit in lives restored.
For this the Jews seized hold of me
Within the temple violently.
Yet God has helped me to this hour —
I stand and testify His power.
Nothing beyond what Moses said
And prophets long ago had read —
That Christ must suffer, rise again,
Firstfruits of the sons of men.
To both our people and the lands,
He brings the light God commands.”
Festus cried with lifted voice,
“Paul, too much learning clouds your choice!”
But Paul replied with steady mind,
“I speak what truth and reason bind.
The king knows well these things are clear —
None were done in secret here.
King Agrippa, do you believe?”
He answered, “You almost persuade me.”
Paul said, “Whether soon or long,
I pray that all who hear this song
Might stand as I in faith made free —
Except these chains you now see.”
They rose and spoke among themselves,
“No crime of death in him compels.”
Agrippa said to Festus plain,
“He could be freed from every chain —
Had he not appealed to Caesar’s reign.”
Chorus
I was not disobedient
To the Lord who called my name.
Before the kings I testify —
The risen Christ the same.
